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It's well known that fluorescents are the smart choice for the modern home. While all fluorescents are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, not all fluorescents are created equal.
T8 Electronic versus T12 Magnetic
Fluorescent fixtures with newer T8 lamps and electronic ballasts surpass the benefits of traditional T12 fluorescents.
Light Bulbs (also known as Fluorescent Lamps or Tubes):
T8 - A T8 lamp is 1" in diameter (8 ÷ 8 = 1")
Available Wattages: 17W - 24", 25W - 36", 32W - 48"
T12 - A T12 lamp is 1-1/2" in diameter (12 ÷ 8 = 1-1/2")
Available Wattages: 15W - 18", 20W - 24", 30W - 36", 34/40W - 48"
Ballasts:
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[an error occurred while processing this directive] T8 lamps use Electronic ballasts, which use semi-conductor components, with other components. Electronic ballasts start and operate quieter, with no flickering and increased efficiency in light output with less energy consumption than traditional ballasts. T8 electronic fixtures have now become the standard in new construction and retrofit applications.
T12 lamps use Magnetic ballasts, which use a "core & coil" assembly to transform electrical current to start and operate the lamps.
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Advantages of T8 Electronic vs. Traditional Fixtures
T12 Magnetic Ballasted |
T8 Electronic Ballasted |
Light Output |
Energy (1) |
Cost Savings (2) |
4 light T12 2x4 Troffer |
3 light T8 2x4 Troffer |
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Saves 41%
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$ 26.71 |
2 light T12 4' Wraparound |
2 light T8 4' Wraparound |
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Saves 22%
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$ 7.01 |
4 light T12 4' Wraparound |
 3 light T8 4' Wraparound
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Saves 41%
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$ 26.71 |
4 light T12 4' Cloud |
3 light T8 4' Low Profile Cloud |
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Saves 41%
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$ 26.71 |
2 light T12 4' Strip |
2 light T8 4' Strip |
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Saves 22%
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$ 7.01 |
2 light T12 8' Strip |
4 light T8 8' Tandem Strip |
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Saves 15%
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$ 8.76 |
(1) Annual savings based on $0.10/KWH, 12 hours/day, 365 days.
(2) Cost savings per fixture per year based on $.10/KWH, 12 hours/day, 365 days.
Specific Advantages to T8 Electronic Fixtures
Energy Saving
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T8 electronic fixtures save over 40% in annual energy costs!* That's $ 26.71 saved per fixture every year!
*Based on (3) 32W T8 light bulbs at 6,186 lumens and (4) 34W T12 at 6,344 lumens, 12 hrs/365 days for $0.10/kwh
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Annual Cost Comparison per Fixture
T8 = $38.11 T12 = $64.82
SAVINGS = $26.76
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True Color
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- Fluorescent T8 lamps make colors look truer longer than T12's.
- T8 Electronic Fixtures have light more like daylight, so colors appear more natural and images sharper.
- On an index scale that measures color respective to natural sunlight (100%), T8 lamps have a color index rating from 75 thru 90+ for more vibrant natural colors. On average, T12 lamps have an index of only 80+.
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Light Output & Length of Life
- T8 fluorescents have better light output over the life of the lamp than T12's.
- After 10,000 hours, T8 lamps are still running at 95% light output, unlike T12's, which are at only 85%. T8's also last up to 24,000 hours versus 20,000 hours for T12's.
- Fluorescent T8 Electronic fixtures give 40% more light output than T12 Energy Saving Magnetic. That's three T8 lamps for almost as much light as four T12!
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3 - 32 watt T8 TY244 432 B11 |
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4 - 34 watt T12 TY244 440 E1 |
Cool, Quiet, & Flicker-Free Operation
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- Overall lower operating temperatures extend ballast life and reduce air conditioning costs.
- In many cases low temperature operation, starting down to 0° F is possible without the need of costly cold weather ballasts.
- T8 electronic ballasts are quiet, 13% quieter than traditional fluorescents.
- Fluorescent T8 fixtures do not flicker for less eyestrain, better relaxation and concentration.
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